This unit introduces the foundational concepts of computer programming, which unlocks the ability to make rich, interactive apps. This course uses JavaScript as the programming language, and App Lab as the programming environment to build apps, but the concepts learned in these lessons span all programming languages and tools.

This unit continues to develop students’ ability to program in the JavaScript language, using Code.org’s App Lab environment to create a series of small applications (apps) that live on the web, each highlighting a core concept of programming. In this unit students transition to creating event-driven apps.

In this unit, students are asked to consider and understand the needs of others while developing a solution to a problem through a series of design challenges. The second half of the unit consists of an iterative team project, during which students have the opportunity to identify a need that they care about, prototype solutions both on paper and in App Lab, and test their solutions with real users to get feedback and drive further iteration

In this unit, students develop their programming skills in App Lab while exploring the role of hardware platforms in computing. Students look towards current and “smart” devices to understand the ways in which different sensors can provide more effective input and output than the traditional keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Note: This unit requires access to
Adafruit's Circuit Playground
board.

Video library

Watch these videos to learn how to create apps in App Lab and learn new programming concepts with the tool.

Procedural abstraction and top-down design

Program a turtle to move around the screen and draw anything from basic shapes to complex designs.

Learn how to define and call functions so you can easily reuse code more efficiently.

Documentation and simple loops

Create functions with parameters to make functions that are more flexible and can be used to solve different kinds of problems.

Learn how to use loops to repeat code and simplify your app.

Event-driven programming and apps

Start using design mode to create a user interface for your app where users can click buttons, select from dropdowns, and even use a slider.

Variables and strings

An introduction to variables that can be used throughout your code.

Learn how to use different kinds of variables to make your apps more complex.

Conditionals and boolean logic

Use boolean expressions to make decisions in your app logic.

Create conditions with if/else statements to make your app more unique.

Add more complex logic like AND and OR to give users more choices in your apps.